The Magpie-Hawkes Bay Motel

On check in was met with an unpleasant welcome from the host, despite using booking app using search for 2 adults 1 child, on booking came through without my knowledge as 2 adults only and got stung with an extra fee for my four year old. When first walked in I was greeted with figured as much, then scolded over extra child costs more when I made a comment that I thought (as why else would I look for extra beds in room) I'd booked correctly via booking app I got snapped at that she didn't NEED attitude. At that stage mentioned I could of booked elsewhere, she was incredibly rude and putting myself in defence mode, but choose the booking over bedding configuration she again snapped at me I did not have to stay there. Now this is after I have just driven 6 hours with tired children in the car to be meet with such aggressive attitude is really disappointing. Having no other options at 5.30pm I paid the extra fee. Now this motel is not worth $160 a night. The rooms are tired, the beds uncomfortable with stains on bases, the toliets and walls are in dire need of a fix and paint. The free WiFi is non existent with little to no coverage in our room. The carpet needs replacing as do the curtains. The laminated signs around the room are passive aggressive about cleanliness and extra fees will be charged. The walls are thin and we listened to our neighbors snore the whole night. I've traveled nz extensively and this whole motel is by far one of the worst stays to date. I'm thinking perhaps I was discriminated against for being and Aucklander with visable tattoos. Either that or the host needs to find a new job she actually enjoys.

We stayed here for business purposes and the room was clean and decent layout in the one bedroom air conditioned unit. Seemed very affordable for what you get. Would happily stay here again.

Excellent motel. We spent a week here and had a lot of fun. Good location, near to Splash Planet and the town. Easy drives to Napier, beaches and walks. Also close enough to walk to the Sunday farmers market. Staff were great (they didn't mind when one of the kids managed to destroy a curtain) and pool, playground and trampoline got a lot of use from us.

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here the lady was very friendly and helpful and the room was immaculate and most of all affordable. I highly recommend this Motel and will be back again in a couple months.

Wow, my room was awesome Lisa was so terrific to talk to ... it accommodated my needs for sure. I will share my experience & will recommend family & friends here. Huge ups A+++++ thank you again.

Lisa is awesome. The room is absolutely fabulous and super tidy. A herd of elephants seem to have taken up residence above us (they had a stampede at midnight). Other than the elephants, this place sure does rock. Oh yeah and completely affordable! Will be back

The motel serves its purpose I suppose if all you require is a roof for the night (quite dated rooms and very poor quality beds) but more alarming than that is the behaviour of the manager. I wasn't a patron but a very close friend of mine was staying for a decent length of time at the facility. He is not above screaming at people in the driveway and when asked to calm down ,stop shouting and to have a civilised conversation as an adult he proceeded to continue swearing and yelling at me. I can see why women are intimidated by Jimmy the manager as he is not a reasonable person to even attempt to talk to. I picked my friend up so she could do her shopping as it was cold and she had no transport and upon dropping her back I was met by un necessary rants and swearing and yelling of abuse. I guess they must own the place in order to get away with treating people with such disrespect. If he was an employee of mine I can assure you after witnessing that behaviour he would be unemployed and/or drug tested because that is not how a rational normal person behaves. After reading some reviews where people have claimed extremely harsh behaviour and poor service I can fully agree with them and say to you that this shouldn't be allowed to happen and they shouldn't have the right to treat people with such disrespect especially when asked if they could have a civilised 5 min conversation like an adult and stop screaming and yelling like a child. This was at 830pm night I add. I would recommend you find somewhere with better service for your stay and avoid being subjected to irrational behaviour like I've experienced.

We stayed for a couple of days and had a neat time. It was so close to quite a few place we wanted to go to made a good stop over. Friendly hospitable family, running it and make you very welcome. Heading back some time soon for another break, just loved it.

Stayed here recently and found it to be great value for the money. Both rooms were clean and well presented for there age. Hosts made us welcome and location was great. Will stay again and recommend to others. John L (Hamilton)

Great room, clean and tidy! very cool retro style! good little kitchenette for a light meal. Helpful and friendly staff. highly reccomend this motel.